The 2025 WNBA season is just around the corner, tipping off on May 22 with an exciting slate of games streaming exclusively on Prime Video. As the league enters its 29th season, anticipation is sky-high. Fans are buzzing about the fresh talent, returning superstars, and compelling matchups that promise to make this year unforgettable. With a new expansion team, major player movements, and a spotlight on both rising stars and seasoned champions, the Women’s National Basketball Association is poised for another record-breaking year. Here’s what you need to know about the season opener, the new faces to watch, and the standout performances fans are eager to see.
A Blockbuster Start on Prime Video
The WNBA is back on Prime Video, starting the season with a star-studded matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream on May 22 at 7:30 p.m. EDT. This game sets the tone for Prime Video’s coverage, which includes 21 exclusive games, mostly on Thursday nights, and the Commissioner’s Cup Championship on July 1. The streaming platform has become a go-to destination for WNBA fans, offering easy access to marquee games featuring the league’s biggest names. From the defending champions, the New York Liberty, to the Las Vegas Aces led by three-time MVP A’ja Wilson, and the Indiana Fever with 2024 Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark, the schedule is packed with must-watch moments.
Prime Video’s coverage doesn’t stop at the regular season. Starting in 2026, the platform will expand to 30 regular-season games globally, plus postseason action, including a first-round series, seven semifinal series, and three WNBA Finals over an 11-year deal. For now, fans can tune in to catch the early action and cheer for their favorite teams and players from the comfort of home. The May 22 opener is just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling ride.
New Talent Shaking Up the League
The 2025 season introduces a wave of new talent, headlined by the No. 1 draft pick, Paige Bueckers, who joins the Dallas Wings. Bueckers, a former UConn superstar, is already generating buzz for her versatility, basketball IQ, and scoring ability. Her debut against the Seattle Storm on May 19 is one of the early highlights of the season, as fans are eager to see how she translates her college success to the pros. The Wings, coming off a tough 9-31 season, are banking on Bueckers to spark a turnaround alongside a deep frontcourt featuring Teaira McCowan, Myisha Hines-Allen, and NaLyssa Smith.
The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s newest expansion team, are another focal point. As the league’s first expansion franchise since the Atlanta Dream in 2008, the Valkyries are a mystery, but their roster, built through the expansion draft, includes promising players ready to make their mark. While expansion teams often struggle in their first year, the Valkyries’ debut against the Phoenix Mercury on June 5 will be a test of how quickly this squad can gel. Fans are curious to see if they can defy expectations and compete with the league’s heavyweights.
Other rookies to watch include Dominique Malonga, the No. 2 overall pick by the Seattle Storm, and Hailey Van Lith, selected by the Chicago Sky. These young players bring fresh energy and potential, adding to the league’s growing reputation for showcasing the best in women’s basketball.
Standout Performances to Anticipate
The 2025 season is set to deliver jaw-dropping performances from both established stars and emerging talents. Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s sensational guard, is at the top of everyone’s watchlist. After a historic rookie season where she set WNBA records with 337 assists and 769 points, Clark is back with a stronger supporting cast. The Fever added veterans DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard, plus new head coach Stephanie White, to bolster their playoff hopes. Clark’s matchup against the Atlanta Dream on May 22 will be a chance to see if she can elevate her game even further, with many betting she’s a contender for the MVP award.
A’ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces’ superstar, remains the player to beat. At 28, Wilson is coming off a record-breaking 2024 season and is hungry for a third championship in four years. The Aces made a bold move by trading for Jewell Loyd, a former scoring champion and two-time WNBA champ, to replace Kelsey Plum. Loyd’s addition could make Vegas even more dangerous, especially if she thrives as a secondary scorer alongside Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray. Their games against the Indiana Fever on July 3 and July 24 are circled on every fan’s calendar.
The New York Liberty, fresh off their first-ever championship in 2024, are loaded with talent. Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu form a formidable trio, and the addition of Natasha Cloud adds playmaking and defensive grit. Their June 5 clash with the Washington Mystics and June 19 rematch against the Phoenix Mercury will test their title defense early. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lynx, led by 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier, are looking to bounce back after falling short in last year’s Finals. Their matchups against the Liberty, including one on August 10, promise intense battles.
Key Storylines and Team Changes
The 2025 season is about more than just individual performances. The league is buzzing with storylines that add intrigue. The addition of the Golden State Valkyries expands the WNBA to 13 teams, and the regular season now features 44 games, up from 40, giving fans more action. The Finals will also adopt a best-of-seven format for the first time, raising the stakes for the postseason.
Offseason moves have reshaped several teams. The Phoenix Mercury, for instance, lost legends Diana Taurasi to retirement and Brittney Griner to free agency but reloaded with All-WNBA talents Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas. The Atlanta Dream, now with Griner and Brionna Jones alongside Rhyne Howard, are aiming for their first playoff win since 2018. The Chicago Sky, featuring Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, added veterans Courtney Vandersloot and Ariel Atkins to bring championship experience to their young core.
Coaching changes are another big story. Eight teams, including the Fever, Wings, and Dream, have new head coaches, which could shift team dynamics. The Indiana Fever’s hiring of Stephanie White, a former WNBA player and proven coach, is particularly notable, as she’s expected to maximize Clark and Aliyah Boston’s potential.
Why This Season Matters
The WNBA is riding a wave of unprecedented popularity. Ticket sales are up nearly 145 percent from last year, and the 2024 season set viewership records. The league’s broadcast partners, including Prime Video, ESPN, CBS, and ION, are making games more accessible than ever, with over 175 games slated for national broadcast. Prime Video’s Thursday night doubleheaders, like the June 5 matchups of New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics and Golden State Valkyries vs. Phoenix Mercury, ensure fans won’t miss a minute of the action.
For casual viewers and die-hard fans alike, the 2025 WNBA season offers something special. Whether it’s cheering for Caitlin Clark’s next highlight-reel pass, watching Paige Bueckers take her first steps in the pros, or seeing if the Liberty can repeat as champions, there’s no shortage of reasons to tune in. The May 22 opener on Prime Video is just the start of a season filled with drama, talent, and unforgettable moments.
So, grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready to watch the WNBA’s best battle it out. The 2025 season is here, and it’s going to be a game-changer.
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